Date of Award
Fall 2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Clinical Psychology
First Advisor
Oswald, Debra
Second Advisor
Grych, John
Third Advisor
Franzoi, Stephen
Abstract
The present study examined the associations between ambivalent sexism toward women and power in heterosexual romantic relationships. Specifically, power was measured globally and in specific domains of relationships (e.g., finances, childcare, sexual activities). College students were asked to complete measures assessing their levels of ambivalent sexism and the amount of power that they expected to have in their future, long-term romantic relationships as well as their perceived power in their current romantic relationships. It was predicted that participants would anticipate having more power in various areas of their relationship according to their gender and their levels of ambivalent sexism. Results indicated that for men, hostile sexism was correlated with expectations of possessing more overall power, decision-making power, and power in traditional masculine activities. For women, benevolent sexism was associated with expectations of having higher levels of sexual submission. For those participants who were in a romantic relationship, benevolent sexism in males was positively associated with power in their current dating activities. Overall, the results suggest that ambivalent sexism in men and women is associated with the amount of power that they expect to have in their future romantic relationships as well as the amount of power that they perceive having in their current romantic relationships